Pasta Bake Recipe (Meat Free)
Dinner / Recipes / Vegetarian

Pasta Bake Recipe (Meat Free)

by Decisive Cravings
Pasta Bake Recipe (Meat Free) For anyone that’s tried my Aunty Rosie’s Pasta Bake with meatballs, it is the true definition of comfort food. It’s a soft, flavour full bake with pockets of mozzarella that seem to stretch for miles, and juicy meatballs hidden within the layers of pasta. My Aunt’s...
Baked Feta Recipe
Dinner / Recipes / Vegetarian

Baked Feta Recipe

by Decisive Cravings
Baked Feta Recipe Now that I have a little one to look after, my spare time is limited and my cooking style has adjusted with it.  Simple dishes have become the flavour of the year. I have also become best friends with my oven, a saviour for the majority of...
Zucchini Goat Cheese Loaf Recipe
Recipes

Zucchini Goat Cheese Loaf Recipe

by Decisive Cravings
Zucchini Goat Cheese Loaf Recipe This simple Zucchini Goat Cheese Loaf recipe creates a moist, hearty savoury loaf that will get you through quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week. Cut thick slices and enjoy on its own or jazz up with a slow cooked egg and smoked salmon.   Zucchini...
Travel: Tips for Flying Solo with a Baby
Kids / Travelling Foodie

Travel: Tips for Flying Solo with a Baby

by Decisive Cravings
Travel: Tips for Flying Solo with a Baby  Some things that worked for me flying 22 hours alone with a four-month-old baby. There are a lot of things I have done this year that I didn’t think I could. The two main ones? One: give birth, and the second: fly...
Broccoli Sage Goats Cheese Risotto
Recipes / Vegetarian

Broccoli Sage Goats Cheese Risotto

by Decisive Cravings
Broccoli, Sage, Goats Cheese Risotto This Broccoli Sage Goats Cheese Risotto is a simple dish with loads of flavour. It is relatively easy to put together, but if you can’t spare an hour mid-week then leave this one for cosy weekend evenings or your next winter dinner party. The goat...
Eritrean Doughnuts with Honey
Consciousness / Recipes / Sweets / Vegetarian

Eritrean Doughnuts with Honey

by Decisive Cravings
  Eritrean Doughnuts with Honey These crispy Eritrean Doughnuts with honey (also known as sweet dumplings or  ‘makleel’ in Tigrinya, the Eritrean Language), are very similar to Greek Loukoumades. Using basic pantry ingredients, they are super simple to put together and result in a crunchy on the outside, soft on...
Eritrean Vegetable Curry
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Vegan / Vegetarian

Eritrean Vegetable Curry

by Decisive Cravings
  Eritrean Vegetable Curry  Serves 10 – 12 people as a shared/side dish   Named ‘alicha’ in Tigrinya (the Eritrean language), this Eritrean Vegetable Curry is flavoursome, hearty and warming. This is just another of the various recipes (humus, falafil and lentil curry) taught to us by Eritrean cook, Shadya...
Broccoli and Ricotta Pasta
Dinner / Recipes / Vegetarian

Broccoli and Ricotta Pasta

by Decisive Cravings
Broccoli and Ricotta Pasta This is my Mother’s recipe for Broccoli and Ricotta Pasta. It’s a very nourishing meal that can be made quickly when you’re low on time. It’s simple and flavourful, and it can feed a little army. The broccoli adds to the freshness of the dish, while the creamy ricotta...
Homemade Humus Recipe
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Snacks / Vegan / Vegetarian

Homemade Humus Recipe

by Decisive Cravings
Homemade Humus Recipe Learn how to make this delicious humus dip effortlessly at home (from scratch)   We are all just a can of chickpeas and a handful of other basic ingredients away from making our very own humus – from scratch. Next time you find yourself adding humus to...
Purslane Lentil Curry Recipe (Eritrean Rigla Moulah)
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Recipes / Vegan / Vegetarian

Purslane Lentil Curry Recipe (Eritrean Rigla Moulah)

by Decisive Cravings
Purslane Lentil Curry Recipe (Eritrean Rigla Moulah) A very special African curry recipe to add to your collection   This is yet another delicious recipe generously shared with us at our recent Cultivating Community cooking class by our Eritrean cook, Shadya. If you couldn’t make the cooking class, you are in...
Foodie Profile: Recipe4Change
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff

Foodie Profile: Recipe4Change

by Decisive Cravings
Foodie Profile: Recipe4Change Our chat with Christine Smith of Recipe4Change – an award-winning ethical enterprise made of  food professionals who use food to change the lives of everyday Australians and help them overcome barriers to a better life.   1. Christine, could you tell us a bit about how Recipe4Change started and about...
Homemade Eritrean Falafil Recipe (Falafel)
Recipes / Vegetarian

Homemade Eritrean Falafil Recipe (Falafel)

by Decisive Cravings
Homemade Eritrean Falafil Recipe Learn how to make falafil, Eritrean style – from scratch We learnt to make this delicious homemade falafil recipe during our recent Eritrean cooking class with Cultivating Community. For those that missed out on sampling the falafil in person, they are quite different to your Middle Eastern...
Melbourne Food Festivals and Events 2018
Foodie Stuff

Melbourne Food Festivals and Events 2018

by Decisive Cravings
MELBOURNE FOOD FESTIVALS AND EVENTS 2018 A calendar of food festivals and events around Melbourne and Victoria for 2018 Melbourne (and Victoria) is a multi-cultural melting pot thriving with world class coffee and food. As a result food festivals and events have followed suit, all catering to our every possible culinary...
Tomato Cannellini Bean Soup
Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Vegan / Vegetarian

Tomato Cannellini Bean Soup

by Decisive Cravings
Tomato Cannellini Bean Soup An economical, quick and hearty classic for colder nights or meat free meals   This Tomato Cannellini Bean Soup is a super simple (and filling) lunch or dinner option that you can whip up in just under an hour – from preparation to table. Having a...
Foodie Profile: A Chat with the Goodsmiths
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Gifts

Foodie Profile: A Chat with the Goodsmiths

by Decisive Cravings
Foodie Profile: Goodsmiths Our chat with Clifford Moss, co-founder of Goodsmiths – a website that helps you  find and choose social enterprises and B Corps when eating, drinking, celebrating and shopping. 1. Cliff, could you tell us a little bit about Goodsmiths. How, when and why did you start? I started working in...
Sydney Clean Eats
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Travelling Foodie

Sydney Clean Eats

by Decisive Cravings
Image credit: Earth to Table Bondi Sydney Clean Eats A little directory on where to ‘eat clean’ in Sydney In our Sydney Clean Eats guide, we point you towards some of Sydney’s best spots to get a good ‘clean eats’ feed. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or following a gluten free or...
Making Your Own Christmas Cookie Box
Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Recipes / Travelling Foodie

Making Your Own Christmas Cookie Box

by Decisive Cravings
Making Your Own Christmas Cookie Box The Perfect Way to Execute a Homemade Christmas Gift Many, many years ago I was an exchange student in Germany. I was living with my host family in Bavaria during winter time, and got to experience the traditional Christmas we read about in story...
A Basic Recipe for Vegetable Stock
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Recipes

A Basic Recipe for Vegetable Stock

by Decisive Cravings
A Basic Recipe for Vegetable Stock How to make a basic vegetable stock from scratch at home   Making vegetable stock is something I’ve had many requests and conversations about lately. I’ve decided to put together a very basic recipe that I use to make my stock at home. Most recipes...
Food Festivals and Events Around the World
Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Food Festivals and Events Around the World

by Decisive Cravings
Image by Anggara Mahendra Food Festivals and Events Around the World From coffee to asparagus, here are festivals and events for foodies worth travelling for. Plan your travels around some of the world’s best annual food festivals and events. See if your next travel destination has a food festival or...
Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe
Consciousness / Recipes / Travelling Foodie / Vegetarian

Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

by Decisive Cravings
Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe A simple and authentic Roman pasta favourite Cacio e Pepe (Cacio is ‘cheese’ in some Italian dialects, while pepe is simply ‘pepper’), is one of the simplest pasta dishes you can whip up. It consists of spaghetti, and a ‘sauce’ that comes together using freshly cracked pepper,...
Sri Lankan Dahl Curry Recipe
Consciousness / Recipes / Travelling Foodie / Vegan / Vegetarian

Sri Lankan Dahl Curry Recipe

by Decisive Cravings
Sri Lankan Dahl Curry Recipe Try this simple and flavoursome version of a Sri Lankan staple This Sri Lankan Dahl Curry recipe is yet another beautiful dish we sampled on the regular while travelling in Sri Lanka recently. This particular dish was a staple at the extensive breakfast spread at one of our favourite...
Sweet Potato with Homemade Baked Beans on Parmesan Polenta
Consciousness / Recipes / Vegetarian

Sweet Potato with Homemade Baked Beans on Parmesan Polenta

by Decisive Cravings
Sweet Potato with Homemade Baked Beans on Parmesan Polenta A healthy mid-week meal that’s hearty and easy to prepare.   If you’re feeling like a break from meat but are after something hearty and filling – this recipe for roasted sweet potato with homemade baked beans on parmesan polenta is the perfect...
Homemade Baked Beans Recipe
Brekkie / Consciousness / Recipes / Vegan / Vegetarian

Homemade Baked Beans Recipe

by Decisive Cravings
Homemade Baked Beans Recipe Whip up your own homemade baked beans in less than 30 minutes   This is yet another simple and hearty meat free dish, and you can make it from scratch in about half an hour. It’s made with tomato passata, spring onions, garlic, a little apple...
Veggie Omelette Recipe
Consciousness / Recipes / Vegetarian

Veggie Omelette Recipe

by Decisive Cravings
Veggie Omelette Recipe A filling meal you can whip up in no time, and it’s perfect for any time of day.   This simple veggie omelette recipe is one of my go-to’s for a fast and filling meal at home. You can vary the ingredients used, but the recipe below with...
Pumpkin and Broccoli Quiche with Veggie Crust
Consciousness / Recipes / Vegetarian

Pumpkin and Broccoli Quiche with Veggie Crust

by Decisive Cravings
Pumpkin and Broccoli Quiche with a Veggie Crust A delicious meat free meal perfect for a mid-week dinner or as a starter at your next dinner party This pumpkin and broccoli quiche with a veggie crust is the perfect easy-to-whip-up meal for Meatless Monday, or any day of the week....
Thai Recipes - Make the Classics at Home
Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Travelling Foodie

Thai Recipes – Make the Classics at Home

by Decisive Cravings
Thai Recipes Learn how to make some of the local classics at home   Living in rural Thailand has it’s pros and cons, but one of the pros has been access to traditional Thai food, unadulterated by or for Western sensibilities. This has changed my palette somewhat – food without...
How to Make a Thai Omelette (Khai Jiow)
Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Travelling Foodie

How to Make a Thai Omelette (Khai Jiow)

by Decisive Cravings
How to Make a Thai Omelette Whip up this simple, quick and filling traditional Thai meal for one   Khai Jiow (Thai omelette) is a common offering at local Thai markets. Often cooked in a wok  – Thai omelette is a quick and filling meal, eaten with rice and a...
Khanom Chan - Thai Steamed Layered Dessert
Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Sweets / Travelling Foodie

Khanom Chan – Thai Steamed Layered Dessert

by Decisive Cravings
Khanom Chan – How to Make Thai Steamed Layered Dessert Learn how to make this chewy, layer upon layer dessert of sticky sweet goodness    Khanom Chan is a steamed Thai layered dessert. It is made by pouring a flavoured sweetened coconut milk mixture and steaming it in small metal or...
Foodie Profile: NATIF Native Foods
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Gifts / I'm Allergic / Travelling Foodie

Foodie Profile: NATIF Native Foods

by Decisive Cravings
NATIF Superfoods – Kakadu Plum, Davidson Plum and Desert Lime, Quandongs, Bush Tomatoes, Fingerlimes, Lillypillis, Saltbush, Lemon Myrtle and Wattleseed   Foodie Profile: NATIF Native Foods We chat to NATIF founder, Julie Merlet about how and why she started her business, the health benefits of native foods, and how you can grow...
Sri Lankan Coconut Sambol Recipe
Recipes / Travelling Foodie

Sri Lankan Coconut Sambol Recipe

by Decisive Cravings
Sri Lankan Coconut Sambol Recipe  Straight from the kitchen at Palm Cove Mirissa, Sri Lanka   Travelling in Sri Lanka, we devoured so many delicious and plentiful curry feasts just like the one above. Breakfasts were hoppers or eggs on thick cut toast or roti served with curries, dahl, and...
Travel: Ceylon Tea Trails in Sri Lanka
Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Travel: Ceylon Tea Trails in Sri Lanka

by Decisive Cravings
Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka The ultimate experience for tea lovers Beyond the bustle of Colombo and tourist-magnet tea country towns of Nuwara Eliya and Ella lies a small haven. It’s the perfect spot for travellers that crave nature, beautiful landscapes, quiet, space and… tea. Ceylon Tea Trails is the...
10 Ways to Be a More Conscious Food Shopper
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff

10 Ways to Be a More Conscious Food Shopper

by Decisive Cravings
Image by Leonie Wise 10 Ways to Be a More Conscious Food Shopper By Paul Hellier of Fair Food Forager   If you were to put your mind to eating and purchasing food that doesn’t contribute to unnecessary damage to the environment, exploit animals and even people – you could...
Foodie Profile - David Laity of Goodwill Wine
Consciousness / Drinks / Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Vegan

Foodie Profile – David Laity of Goodwill Wine

by Decisive Cravings
Image supplied by Goodwill Wine Foodie Profile David Laity of social enterprise Goodwill Wine   1. David, could you share the story of how you started Goodwill Wine? In the weeks and months following Black Saturday I found myself for the first time on the receiving end of assistance. Having been a...
10 Australian Ethical Food Stores Online
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Gifts / I'm Allergic / Travelling Foodie

10 Australian Ethical Food Stores Online

by Decisive Cravings
10 Australian Ethical Food Stores Online By Paul Hellier of Fair Food Forager   Generally, if it’s better for you it’s better for the planet. Fair Food Forager helps you find ethical and sustainable food online, and has listings all over the world with businesses trying, like you are, to...
Retreat Here - Healthy Holidays and Wellness Retreats for Travel Lovers
Consciousness / Travelling Foodie

Retreat Here – Healthy Holidays and Wellness Retreats for Travel Lovers

by Decisive Cravings
The beautiful beach view at Nihiwatu in Sumba – image credit: Nihiwatu Retreat Here We chat with Retreat Here founder Sabijn Linssen about wellness retreats, her favourite hotels and top travel picks in 2017.   1. Sab, tell us about your background and why you started Retreat Here? I created Retreat...
Travel: A Stroll Through Phuket Old Town
Travelling Foodie

Travel: A Stroll Through Phuket Old Town

by Decisive Cravings
A Stroll Through Phuket Old Town Discover the unique charm and character of Phuket’s historical centre.   Mention Phuket, and images of white sand, rows of palm trees and stunning beaches come to mind. Beyond these memorable attractions, it is easy to forget that Phuket has an interesting history, one that...
Foodie Profile: Baking and Business with Sweets for Tilly
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Sweets

Foodie Profile: Baking and Business with Sweets for Tilly

by Decisive Cravings
The Sweets for Tilly team. From left to right, Rachel, Jacqueline and Nancy – Image credit: Jodie Hutchinson Photography Sweets for Tilly In our latest Foodie Profile, contributor Amelia Harris chats with Rachel of Sweets for Tilly much loved for their bespoke cakes, macarons and sweets; about baking and business.   ...
Travel: Things to do in Chiang Rai
Travelling Foodie

Travel: Things to do in Chiang Rai

by Decisive Cravings
Travel: Chiang Rai Things to see, eat and do Chiang Rai is Chiang Mai’s quieter cousin, and if you are looking for a break from Bangkok, Chiang Rai is the perfect green paradise. Chiang Rai offers cooler weather (both day and night), more of small town feeling, plenty of temples...
Travel: Things to do in Ubud, Bali
Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Travel: Things to do in Ubud, Bali

by Decisive Cravings
Travel: Things to do in Ubud, Bali Some things to eat, do, and where to stay   Preferring the island’s famed beaches, Ubud is often missed by travellers visiting Bali. The lush greenery of its rainforests and rice paddies combined with its famed temples, arts&crafts, and its’ wellness centres, offers...
Where to Eat in Phitsanulok
Travelling Foodie

Where to Eat in Phitsanulok

by Decisive Cravings
Where to Eat in Phitsanulok From old school food institutions to local favourites   Phitsanulok is a province and city in Thailand’s lower north. For a period, it also served as the country’s capital and is known to all Thai people. The only question I get asked when I tell...
A Weekend in Sydney
Travelling Foodie

A Weekend in Sydney

by Decisive Cravings
A Weekend in Sydney Some things to eat and do Sydney is challenging to talk about as a Melbournian. You want to be able to remain unbiased and judge the city on its merits without thinking about how it differs from home. I will never say that Sydney is better...
Red Beard Bakery Workshop
Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Travelling Foodie / Vegan / Vegetarian

Red Beard Bakery Workshop

by Decisive Cravings
Red Beard Bakery Workshop  For the aspiring baker. By Jen Curcio Flour, salt and water produces one of life’s simplest edible pleasures. The ingredients may be simple, and the act of eating it may be effortless, but anyone who has attempted baking bread knows there is no edible pleasure without...
Sumba Indonesia in Pictures
Travelling Foodie

Sumba Indonesia in Pictures

by Decisive Cravings
  Sumba, Indonesia  Our visit to Sumba late last year was an ambitious leap from our previous travels around Indonesia. The trip had been inspired by a coastal landscape image and blurb in a surfer’s guide referencing ‘waves of consequence’, tribal culture and thatched peaked huts. ‘Sumba is not for...
Eggplant Cannelloni Recipe
Dinner / I'm Allergic / Recipes / Vegetarian

Eggplant Cannelloni Recipe

by Decisive Cravings
  Eggplant Cannelloni by Toni Curcio Serves 4-6 people   This delicious dish comes straight out of my Mum’s recipe repertoire. It is a simple Italian vegetarian dish that uses eggplants instead of traditional cannelloni pasta shells filled with ricotta and spinach. She also tops them with passata sauce. We often eat Mum’s...
4 Ways to Reduce Your Environmental Impact Today
Consciousness

4 Ways to Reduce Your Environmental Impact Today

by Decisive Cravings
  4 Ways to Reduce Your Environmental Impact Today There are countless efforts and initiatives in place to remind us about reducing our environmental impact. Think Earth Day (April 22), Meatless Monday, World Environment Day (June 5) – the list goes on. But apart from an occasional day each year,...
Inspiring Instagram Accounts to Follow
Foodie Stuff

Inspiring Instagram Accounts to Follow

by Decisive Cravings
  For anyone who has an Instagram account (I assume you do if you are reading this), you will know what a phenomenon it is. We contribute to a platform with over 600 million active users globally. In this day and age, I imagine it’s a challenge not to be on social...
Reground Melbourne
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff

Reground Melbourne

by Decisive Cravings
(Left) – Ninna Larsen, Founder Reground and (Right) Kaitlin Reid, Co-director Reground – image by  Matthew Kovacs   FOODIE PROFILE WITH NINNA LARSEN OF REGROUND In our latest Foodie Profile we chat with Danish born, Melbourne based Ninna Larsen. Ninna is the founder of Reground, one of Melbourne’s newest and inspiring sustainability...
Coconut Recipes
Recipes

Coconut Recipes

by Decisive Cravings
Coconuts, coconuts, coconuts. Coconuts have long been an un-coincidental theme in both my diet and my recipes for many years. In fact the majority of the sweets I bake seem to almost always contain coconut. If you’re a coco-phile too, I’ve rounded up all the recipes on DC that feature...
Coconut Banana Bread Recipe
Recipes

Coconut Banana Bread Recipe

by Decisive Cravings
COCONUT BANANA BREAD RECIPE My first memories of banana bread take me back to the tuck shop at school. Pre-packaged into individual slices these brown, peppery looking rectangles sat upright in a neat row. They were ok but a little processed so I wasn’t a repeat buyer. Much later on...
Street Life in Phitsanulok
Travelling Foodie

Street Life in Phitsanulok

by Decisive Cravings
  STREET LIFE IN PHITSANULOK In July we will be coming up to two years living in Phitsanulok (pronounced Pis-an-oo-lok). Unless you’ve been here (which is highly unlikely), the odds are this is the first time you’ve heard of it. Both a city and a province, Phitsanulok is a key...
Learning the Art of Hygge
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Learning the Art of Hygge

by Decisive Cravings
  LEARNING THE ART OF HYGGE There is a good chance that at some point last year (2016), you heard the term ‘hygge’. Perhaps you stumbled upon an article or a book about it. In fact, the latter is highly likely. According to the Guardian, 2016 saw nine book releases...
Special Occasion Cakes Melbourne
Foodie Stuff / Sweets

Special Occasion Cakes Melbourne

by Decisive Cravings
A creation by Miss Ladybird Cakes – image by Jesse Hisco (supplied by Amelia Harris)   SPECIAL OCCASION CAKES MELBOURNE The prospect of eating cake warrants its own special occasion but the actual selection of the right type of cake is no average feat. Whether you’re looking for something for your wedding day, a birthday party,...
Strawberry Coconut Pancakes
Brekkie / I'm Allergic / Recipes

Strawberry Coconut Pancakes

by Decisive Cravings
STRAWBERRY COCONUT PANCAKES Serves 2 people (makes five to six medium sized pancakes)   1 cup rye flour 1/2 cup desiccated coconut 3/4 cup chopped strawberries 3/4 cup rice milk 2 tbsp coconut oil 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 tsp baking powder 1 egg 1 tbsp ground cardamom and fine...
Podcasts For Your Playlist
Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Podcasts For Your Playlist

by Decisive Cravings
Podcasts for your Playlist Some must-listen-to Podcasts to add to your Playlist For anyone that knows me well, I without a doubt would have brought up the subject of Podcasts and/or audio books (too) many times. I get motion sickness when reading on public transport or in the car so I...
Easy Everyday Bread Recipe
Recipes

Easy Everyday Bread Recipe

by Decisive Cravings
  Slightly crunchy crust on the outside, soft on the inside. It sounds so basic, but when done right a good loaf of bread is honestly one of life’s simplest pleasures – even more if you’ve made the loaf of bread yourself. Living in Thailand, we are absolutely spoilt for good...
Cakes
Recipes / Sweets

Cakes

by Decisive Cravings
  Cakes are usually made for special occasions, the way I see it though they can be the cause for a celebration. This is our collection of cake recipes on the site so far. Some are quick melt and mix cakes, while others involve a little bit more time and...
Foodie Profile: Tessa Kiros
Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Foodie Profile: Tessa Kiros

by Decisive Cravings
  I was gifted my first Tessa Kiros cookbook in 2004. It was called Falling Cloudberries. The cover was so colourful and striking, just a snapshot of what was to be revealed in the book’s coming pages. More recently I spotted Tessa’ latest release, Provence to Pondicherry and was so enchanted...
Melbourne for Conscious Foodies Food Guide
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Gifts

Melbourne for Conscious Foodies Food Guide

by Decisive Cravings
STOCKISTS Melbourne for Conscious Foodies is currently being stocked at the following locations: MELBOURNE The Boroughs Store – 345 Lygon St, East Brunswick Safari Living – 579 High St, East Prahran Shokuiku – 120 High St, Northcote Auction Rooms – 103 – 107 Errol St, North Melbourne Rudimentary – 16/20...
Chocolate Coconut Cake Recipe
I'm Allergic / Recipes

Chocolate Coconut Cake Recipe

by Decisive Cravings
Chocolate Coconut Cake Makes 6-10 servings   A good chocolate cake is a must for even the most occasional baker. It is a classic comfort cake and in my pursuit for a go-to version, I conducted more than your fair share of chocolate cake trials. During one of these trials I realised...
A Weekend in Hong Kong
Travelling Foodie

A Weekend in Hong Kong

by Decisive Cravings
  Where do I start about our weekend in Hong Kong? This was my first visit and I was absolutely blown away. Our trip was only three and a half days (basically a weekend) in mid-August, and although we had a relaxed approach to what chose to do and see, we...
Cooking Classes Melbourne
Foodie Stuff / Gifts

Cooking Classes Melbourne

by Decisive Cravings
Cover image by Shelley Price   For those of us who love home cooking, an occasional short course, workshop or cooking class is the perfect way to learn new dishes and techniques, as well as sharpen existing skills. Thanks to upskilled.edu.au, I’ve rounded up some of the key cooking classes in Melbourne...
Native Australian Bush Food
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Recipes

Native Australian Bush Food

by Decisive Cravings
Quandong – image source: theleafstore.com.au   As an Australian I feel like I should know more about native Australian bush food. It feels wrong that I know so little about the produce that literally grows in our backyard. So, in my latest overview food piece I’m focusing on native Australian...
Bangkok Eats
Travelling Foodie

Bangkok Eats

by Decisive Cravings
The baked eggs at Toby’s on Sukhumvit 38   Bangkok is widely regarded as one of the most exciting culinary cities in the world. This year The Telegraph UK featured Bangkok as number 10 out of 16 of the world’s greatest cities for food. The incredible Thai street food culture makes...
Buying your first piping bag set
Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Sweets

Buying your first piping bag set

by Decisive Cravings
The basic piping set available from Daiso – image by Jen Curcio Baking is something that I take in stages. Like anything in the kitchen, once I feel like I’ve got the hang of a specific type of recipe, I graduate myself to the next stage. Currently, that is learning...
Affitadu Recipe
Recipes

Affitadu Recipe

by Decisive Cravings
‘Affitadu’ is the Sardinian word for ‘sliced’. In Affitadu, a recipe creation of my Nonna’s post-wartime, old bread is the hero. It is an alternative to lasagna, particularly back then when cooking had to be improvised due to the scarcity of so many ingredients. This is comfort food at heart and...
Tom Yam Soup with Mushrooms
Dinner / Recipes / Vegetarian

Tom Yam Soup with Mushrooms

by Decisive Cravings
  Tom Yam, Thailand’s famous hot and sour soup has got to be one of my all-time favourite Thai dishes. All the elements of Thai cuisine gather together beautifully in this sweet, salty, hot, sour concoction bursting with flavour, aroma and texture. There are many versions of the iconic Tom...
Travel: Echuca Moama
Dinner / Foodie Stuff / Lunch / Travelling Foodie

Travel: Echuca Moama

by Decisive Cravings
Junction Bar at Junction Moama – image supplied by Junction Moama   Back in April, the DC team was invited to enjoy a very special weekend away in the twin towns of Echuca Moama. Echuca Moama is a two and a half hour drive from Melbourne’s CBD. The town of Echuca is located...
Potato Fritters
Brekkie / Dinner / Lunch / Recipes / Vegan / Vegetarian

Potato Fritters

by Decisive Cravings
  When it comes to go-to recipes, I like them to be easy and delicious – these potato fritters satisfy both requirements. This recipe has some spring onions thrown in for a little extra flavour, but apart from that all you need are literally potatoes, salt and pepper and some...
Braised Apple and Cabbage
Dinner / Recipes / Vegetarian

Braised Apple and Cabbage

by Decisive Cravings
  Braised apple and cabbage has been a regular feature in our home cooked meals of late. Cabbage seems to be everywhere in Thailand, it’s extremely cheap and is one of the more nutritious vegetables going round, so it’s a win win really. I generally serve braised apple and cabbage when I make potato...
One Pan Potatoes
Dinner / Recipes / Vegan / Vegetarian

One Pan Potatoes

by Decisive Cravings
One Pan Potatoes is a simple but incredibly satisfying dish to eat. It is intended as a side dish but for some reason it always ends up being the main. This recipe is an adaptation of my Italian Aunts’ sliced potatoes, which she adds to a steamed fish dish she makes....
Travel: How I Research Travel Accommodation
Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Travel: How I Research Travel Accommodation

by Decisive Cravings
Our recent Airbnb booking at an eco-homestay in Chiang Rai In terms of travelling, my choices have changed a lot over the last five to eight years. In my 20s I had little qualms about staying at a backpackers or a hostel, as long as it was clean and I felt safe....
Eggplant and Tomato Braise
Dinner / Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Vegan / Vegetarian

Eggplant and Tomato Braise

by Decisive Cravings
  This eggplant and tomato braise has been a staple at our place for a good year or so. I started making it when we lived in Jakarta as an excuse to test out the local eggplants, which were so foreign to the purple eggplant I grew up with. The dish itself...
Travel: Masseria Potenti
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Travelling Foodie

Travel: Masseria Potenti

by Decisive Cravings
1. Chiara, you and your family own Masseria Potenti, a boutique hotel in Puglia, Italy. Could you tell us about the property and its history? Our Masseria is a hidden resort in the heart of Salento, Apulia Italy. It is housed in a sixteenth century Masseria (farm house that you can find only...
Hazelnut and Apple Crumble
Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Sweets

Hazelnut and Apple Crumble

by Decisive Cravings
  Apple crumble just like apple pie, is a comfort food I enjoy all year round but particularly so in winter. Although I can’t complain about the weather in Thailand (compared to Melbourne), rainy season has set in and the rain which I’ve keenly awaited to relieve the high summer...
Foodie Profile #30: Cultivating Community
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff

Foodie Profile #30: Cultivating Community

by Decisive Cravings
Peta Christensen of Cultivating Community on the far right at a recent event   1. Peta, you are the Food Systems and Partnerships Team Leader at Cultivating Community. Could you tell us more about what Cultivating Community does? Cultivating Community is a small Melbourne based NGO working in the areas...
Gasworks Arts Park Farmers Market
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Gasworks Arts Park Farmers Market

by Decisive Cravings
Fresh local apples at Gasworks Arts Park Farmer’s Market – image by Naomi Owen   Once a month on a Saturday morning, Gasworks Arts Park wakes up peppered with white tents, sheltering an array of organic and biodynamic produce. Flocking to these tents are happy Melbourne foodies and their pets...
Foodie Profile #29: Edible Flowers with Flowerdale Farm
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Recipes / Travelling Foodie

Foodie Profile #29: Edible Flowers with Flowerdale Farm

by Decisive Cravings
Rocket flower is a popular savoury variety – image credit: The Weekly Times Farm Magazine In our latest Foodie Profile, we chat to edible flower grower, Lauren Richardson of Flowerdale Farm. We ask her about the process of growing edible flowers, her journey in the industry and the history and...
Melbourne Food Stores and Grocers
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Recipes / Travelling Foodie / Vegan / Vegetarian

Melbourne Food Stores and Grocers

by Decisive Cravings
The delicious baked goods at Stocked – image by Jen Curcio   Melbourne is a blessed city for foodies. We are so spoilt with fresh local food in our markets, cafe’s, restaurants and stores. However, one of our contributors Amelia Harris, recently pointed out that despite this abundance, specialty food stores in...
Indonesian Food - an Overview and Recipes
Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Travelling Foodie

Indonesian Food – an Overview and Recipes

by Decisive Cravings
Indonesian ingredients – image by  Anggara Mahendra   Ibu Sisca Soewitomo is dubbed as the ‘Queen of Indonesian Cuisine’. She has dedicated her 50-year career to nourishing Indonesia’s evolving culinary scene. A pioneer of Indonesian TV cooking, many an aspiring young chef has tuned-in to watch this revered Ibu dish up national...
Foodie Profile #28 - Basil Natoli
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Recipes

Foodie Profile #28 – Basil Natoli

by Decisive Cravings
Basil Natoli – image by David Shen   1.  Basil, you are a teacher, gardener and activist. Could you tell us about your journey and work in these respective areas? Of greatest influence I am sure was experience and exposure as a child to my grandfather’s garden at Black Rock, the...
Review: Tucker Street
Consciousness / Dinner / Foodie Stuff / Gifts / I'm Allergic / Recipes

Review: Tucker Street

by Decisive Cravings
Tucker Street Steak tacos with coriander salsa and feta A few weeks back, we were gifted (very generously) a food delivery from our friends, Tucker Street. Our guest contributor David Shen, also the recipient talks us through his experience below and what you can expect if you use the Tucker...
Recipe: Zucchini Fritters with Smoked Trout
Brekkie / Dinner / Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Recipes / Vegetarian

Recipe: Zucchini Fritters with Smoked Trout

by Decisive Cravings
  I, like any true Melbournian, love brunch, so whenever I’ve been to the Farmers Market at Gasworks Arts Park of a morning, I tend to pick up some fresh produce and head home to create something delicious for my sleepy household. Here’s one of my favourite brunch recipes, zucchini...
Foodie Profile #27 - Tamil Feasts
Consciousness / Dinner / Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie / Vegan / Vegetarian

Foodie Profile #27 – Tamil Feasts

by Decisive Cravings
Dori (former team leader) with Sri (left) and Nirma (right) – image by Marianne Mills   Tamil Feasts is a Melbourne based social enterprise that supports recently settled asylum seekers through the celebration of food and culture. Serving up traditional Sri Lankan fare prepared by Tamil men currently seeking asylum in Australia, these...
Home Chefs #12 - Watermelon and Radish Salad with Feta
Dinner / Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Lunch / Recipes / Vegetarian

Home Chefs #12 – Watermelon and Radish Salad with Feta

by Decisive Cravings
  Watermelon and Radish salad with Feta by Tucker Street Serves: 4-6 people as a side Time to prepare: 10 minutes   Oh so refreshing and super quick, this salad can be prepped ahead of time and sit pretty in the fridge until serving time.  Tucker Street recommends teaming this with Middle-Eastern...
Home Chefs #11 - Char-grilled Corn and Peach Slaw
Dinner / Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Lunch / Recipes / Vegan / Vegetarian

Home Chefs #11 – Char-grilled Corn and Peach Slaw

by Decisive Cravings
  Char-grilled Corn and Peach Slaw By Tucker Street Serves: 4 people Time to prepare: 15 minutes   Our friends at Tucker Street have kindly shared this jazzed up summer slaw full of colour and flavour, and perfect for BBQs! A seasonal recipe, it makes the most of sweet summery peaches, is full of...
Review: Gewürzhaus
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Gifts / I'm Allergic / Travelling Foodie

Review: Gewürzhaus

by Decisive Cravings
  Gewürzhaus is the type of shop that foodies fall in love with the moment they step through the door, possibly even before as they glare at the goodies that await them beyond the window. In essence, Gewürzhaus is exactly what it translates to from German, ‘spice house’. The stores...
Home Chefs #10 - Double Ginger Cake
Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Recipes / Snacks / Sweets

Home Chefs #10 – Double Ginger Cake

by Decisive Cravings
  Double Ginger Cake (Makes one small bread loaf tin size)   I love ginger. I love how half a teaspoon of ginger will add a warm element to a winter casserole, I love how a cup of ginger tea both relaxes and refreshes me and I love how dark...
Foodie Profile #26 - Tamsin Carvan of Tamsin's Table
Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Travelling Foodie

Foodie Profile #26 – Tamsin Carvan of Tamsin’s Table

by Decisive Cravings
  A hilltop farmhouse looking over 113 acres of Poowong East in country Victoria, is the home of Tamsin Carver. In recent years she has opened up her home and property running lunches, gatherings and workshops under the name Tamsin’s Table. Here there are cooking classes, shared harvest lunches and...
Foodie Profile #25 - Lynda Gardener
Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Foodie Profile #25 – Lynda Gardener

by Decisive Cravings
Lynda Gardener herself – image by Dan Magree   1. Lynda, you are a stylist and decorator – could you share your journey in the industry and your creative interests? I started very early in my working life…..as a secretary (19yrs old) in the fashion industry.  I worked out pretty...
Travel: Myanmar Food Mini Guide
Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Travel: Myanmar Food Mini Guide

by Decisive Cravings
Making Vegetable Tempura at Mr Min’s Cooking Class   Myanmar (formerly Burma) officially lifted a boycott of inbound foreign tourism in 2010, after nearly half a century. Since then, the tourism industry there, among other aspects, has been developing at a rapid pace. This also applies to the food and...
Foodie Profile #24: Ayu Larasati
Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Travelling Foodie

Foodie Profile #24: Ayu Larasati

by Decisive Cravings
Ayu Larasati taken by Nathanael Christian In our first Foodie Profile of 2016, we talk to Ayu Larasati – one of Jakarta’s most celebrated young ceramicists. JC x     1.  What kind of ceramic pieces do you specialise in and what have been some of your favourites? I make small batch wheel-thrown ceramics...
Event: DC Summer Gathering Wrap Up
Foodie Stuff

Event: DC Summer Gathering Wrap Up

by Decisive Cravings
  A big thank you to all our DC friends and family who joined us for our first reader event, the DC Summer Gathering on Sunday December 13, 2015. It was a wonderful afternoon and so incredible to meet all of you in person, listen to our inspiring speakers and...
Foodie Profile #23 - Winnie & Co
Foodie Stuff / Gifts

Foodie Profile #23 – Winnie & Co

by Decisive Cravings
In our latest Foodie Profile, we chat to Kate Thompson of Winnie & Co and also the founder of the ultimate treat treasure chest, the baker’s drawer. If you enjoy Kate’s story, make sure you join us for our DC Summer Gathering where Kate will be sharing her story in...
Review: Caffe La Via
Brekkie / Consciousness / Dinner / Drinks / Kids / Lunch / Sweets

Review: Caffe La Via

by Decisive Cravings
The gourmet burger selection at Caffe La Via Caffe La Via is one of those restaurants you’ve driven past a hundred times but only eaten at once. It’s been on Glenferrie Rd, Malvern, for as long as I can remember. Until recently, my one dinner there was years ago and...
Travel: Daylesford and Macedon Ranges Food Mini Guide
Brekkie / Dinner / Foodie Stuff / Lunch / Sweets / Travelling Foodie

Travel: Daylesford and Macedon Ranges Food Mini Guide

by Decisive Cravings
Map of Daylesford and Macedon Ranges by DMR Tourism   Local. Seasonal. Handmade. Artisan. Foraging. Farm to table. There’s never been more focus on what we eat and where it comes from. The spotlight is shining on producers as brightly as ever, with menus regularly listing suppliers and awards specifically...
Small Function and Event Spaces Melbourne
Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Small Function and Event Spaces Melbourne

by Decisive Cravings
Inside The Barn at The Estate Trentham – image by Lisa Cohen Photography I am always on the hunt for a good venue, so I thought it would be apt to share some small spaces in Melbourne I’m loving.  If you are on the lookout for a great space for...
Recipe: Thai BBQ Pork
Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Travelling Foodie

Recipe: Thai BBQ Pork

by Decisive Cravings
  Thai BBQ Pork Serves 2 Charcoal BBQ’ing is a common offering at night markets all across South East Asia. In Indonesia you will see delicious satay’s sizzling on hawker grills, in Vietnam the meat served to you to make DIY rice paper rolls, Nem nướng  (meatballs or sausage), will...
Recipe: Som Tam Salad
Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Travelling Foodie

Recipe: Som Tam Salad

by Decisive Cravings
  Som Tam, spicy green papaya salad, is one of the most well known dishes in Thai cuisine. A specialty of Northeastern Thailand but served all over the Kingdom and even South East Asia, it combines all the principles of Thai flavours: salty, sweet, sour and salty. It comes in...
Foodie Stuff: Springvale Gourmet Food Guide
Brekkie / Dinner / Foodie Stuff / Lunch / Sweets / Travelling Foodie / Vegan / Vegetarian

Foodie Stuff: Springvale Gourmet Food Guide

by Decisive Cravings
Live crabs for sale at one of Springvale’s many seafood markets – image by Amy Martin   If living life to its fullest could be personified, Elizabeth Chong would be a pretty good example!  At 84 years of age, this energetic lady with sparkly eyes and amazing skin has been running Asian...
Foodie Profile #21: Gabriele Galimberti
Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Travelling Foodie

Foodie Profile #21: Gabriele Galimberti

by Decisive Cravings
  I was flipping through an in-flight magazine earlier this year when I stumbled on an interview with Italian photographer, Gabriele Galimberti, about his project and book, In Her Kitchen. The concept resonated with me instantly – a book of stories, portraits and recipes from grandmothers all over the world....
Foodie Profile #20 - Plants on Pink
Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Foodie Profile #20 – Plants on Pink

by Decisive Cravings
Image by @mija_mija If you are on Instagram and you haven’t stumbled upon the PlantsonPink account, coming across it was inevitable. PlantsonPink has been a refreshing find not only because it isolates nature in an online medium but because on some level it allows us to start taking notice of the...
Vegan Recipes
Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Recipes / Vegan / Vegetarian

Vegan Recipes

by Decisive Cravings
  For our vegan friends and followers of vegan diets, I’ve rounded up all our vegan recipes on the site so you can find them in one magic post! We have some wonderful recipes that will take you through almost every meal in the day. Enjoy! JC x   Coconut...
Five Food Workshops Worth Bookmarking
Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Five Food Workshops Worth Bookmarking

by Decisive Cravings
  For foodies, food bloggers and creative types, a food workshop will most definitely be on your to-do list. From learning to hand make pasta post harvesting the ingredients for it, understanding how to pimp your iPhone food photos or just fondling stunning kitchen props for food styling, there are...
Foodie Profile #19: Cake Ink
Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Sweets

Foodie Profile #19: Cake Ink

by Decisive Cravings
Cake Ink’s gorgeous sweet creations – image by Danielle Trovato and Sotiria McDonald   In our latest Foodie Profile, we chat with the inspiring and super creative duo, Samone and Janelle of cult Melbourne Cake and Stationery brand, Cake Ink. Learn how they met, the ins and outs of what they do, as well...
Travel: Mornington Peninsula Food Mini Guide
Dinner / Foodie Stuff / Lunch / Travelling Foodie

Travel: Mornington Peninsula Food Mini Guide

by Decisive Cravings
The Mornington Peninsula is Victoria’s original playground. Only an hour’s drive from Melbourne, its food and wine offerings are as well-known as its beaches and seaside towns.  There’s been a wave of new openings in the last year or so. Taking in some old favourites and some new ones, here’s...
Social Food Projects and Events Melbourne
Consciousness / Dinner / Drinks / Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Travelling Foodie

Social Food Projects and Events Melbourne

by Decisive Cravings
  Are you a fan of eating and dining with purpose? Fantastic, so are we! Here is a round up of some inspiring social food projects and events in Melbourne that allow you to enjoy your experience twice by offering you a fantastic meal/drink that goes to a deserving cause....
In Season: Asparagus Recipes
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Recipes

In Season: Asparagus Recipes

by Decisive Cravings
  Asparagus is up there when it comes to my favourite green veggies. I love it grilled, steamed, on its own, added to salads – any way really. There are many ways to use asparagus and please feel free to share your asparagus recipes in the comments. My favourites though...
Social Enterprise Caterers Melbourne
Brekkie / Consciousness / Dinner / Foodie Stuff / Lunch

Social Enterprise Caterers Melbourne

by Decisive Cravings
    Melbourne now has a great range of options when it comes to social enterprise caterers.  If you’re hosting or organising an event you might like to consider hiring a caterer where the proceeds truly go to a worthy cause. Here is a round of up of social enterprise...
The Art of Breakfast in Bed
Brekkie / Foodie Stuff / Recipes

The Art of Breakfast in Bed

by Decisive Cravings
Birthdays and celebrations are a BIG deal in my family. It’s not just cards and cake but the thought and combined effort from everyone to make the birthday person feel special. One of my earliest memories of birthdays and one that exemplifies this notion, is breakfast in bed. It was...
Foodie Stuff: In the Pantry #3
Foodie Stuff / Gifts

Foodie Stuff: In the Pantry #3

by Decisive Cravings
  In the Pantry is our newest segment on DC, featuring products from inside the pantries of the DC team and sometimes even our readers. A regular round up of products we absolutely love, we’ll tell you why we love them, how to use them and where they can be...
Grocery Shopping for Good in Melbourne
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Gifts

Grocery Shopping for Good in Melbourne

by Decisive Cravings
The newly launched Asylum Resource Centre Food Justice Truck – image source ASRC  In the last few years, the rise of social enterprises has made it much simpler for consumers to shop consciously. Not only are we buying things we need, these products have the doubled benefit of helping others. It’s...
Travel: Glamping in Melbourne
Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Travelling Foodie

Travel: Glamping in Melbourne

by Decisive Cravings
Image source: Happyglamper.com.au   ‘Glamping’ (glamorous camping), seems to be a continually growing trend. If you are planning a spot of camping or considering an outdoorsy trip with friends, I’ve searched around and found three companies doing something a little different. If you can’t be bothered with the technical set...
Picnicking in Melbourne
Foodie Stuff / Kids / Recipes / Travelling Foodie

Picnicking in Melbourne

by Decisive Cravings
  Whether they are held in your backyard, at a park or indoors on a rainy day, picnics are literally one of the loveliest ways to spend an afternoon. As an homage to the picnic, I’ve put together a mini guide to picnicking in Melbourne. I’ve matched it by markets...
Event: Melbourne Salami Festa 2015
Foodie Stuff / Kids

Event: Melbourne Salami Festa 2015

by Decisive Cravings
It’s back! Melbourne’s favourite sausage fest returns for its fourth pork party. Not only does the Melbourne Salami Festa celebrate the art and tradition of salami making, it invites makers to have their homemade salami judged by a panel of aficionados and experts. This year’s judging panel includes: Festa patron Guy...
Chiang Mai Cafe's
Drinks / Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Chiang Mai Cafe’s

by Decisive Cravings
My recollections of Chiang Mai back on my first visit as a 20 year old backpacker, is of a friendly city – one that was used to tourists with its night markets and tour packages on offer at every second storefront. On my recent return a mere 11 years later...
Home Chefs #9: Pickled Red Cabbage
Foodie Stuff / Recipes

Home Chefs #9: Pickled Red Cabbage

by Decisive Cravings
    Pickled Red Cabbage Makes two large salads     My new neighbour, Cecile, has contributed this delicious pickled red cabbage recipe to DC. She is a lovely, witty Belgian woman with lots of personality. She dropped off some of this delicious salad for me to try and I...
Recipe: Simple Chicken and Veggie Seasoning
Recipes

Recipe: Simple Chicken and Veggie Seasoning

by Decisive Cravings
  Everyone has their favourite ingredients to work with when seasoning meat and vegetables. When it comes to a simple seasoning for chicken and veggies – this recipe is my go-to. As I’ve mentioned in Saving Tips for Foodies, I often prepare a batch of chicken and have it sitting...
Foodie Stuff: Dandenong Gourmet Food Guide
Brekkie / Dinner / Foodie Stuff / Lunch / Sweets / Travelling Foodie / Vegan / Vegetarian

Foodie Stuff: Dandenong Gourmet Food Guide

by Decisive Cravings
Baker Andrew Lipiszko with a freshly baked batch of Polish pretzels   I’m not much of a television viewer but one of my guilty TV pleasures is watching foodie shows. Right at the top of that list is the locally produced Food Safari hosted by Maeve O’Meara. Not only is...
Bangkok Cafe's
Brekkie / Drinks / Foodie Stuff / Lunch / Sweets / Travelling Foodie

Bangkok Cafe’s

by Decisive Cravings
Roots Coffee Roasters in Bangkok I first travelled to Bangkok at the end of 2004. It was thriving with life and movement, and I fell in love with its hustle and bustle straight away. I returned again in 2005 before embarking on a round-the-world trip. Fast forward 10 years and...
Foodie Stuff: In the Pantry #2
Foodie Stuff / Gifts

Foodie Stuff: In the Pantry #2

by Decisive Cravings
Welcome to In the Pantry, a NEW segment featuring products from inside the pantries of the DC team and even some of our readers. A regular round up of products we absolutely love, we’ll tell you why we love them, how to use them and where they can be bought....
Review: Vietnamese Cooking Class at OTAO Kitchen
Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Recipes

Review: Vietnamese Cooking Class at OTAO Kitchen

by Decisive Cravings
Pho Cuon with Nuoc Cham (fresh rice noodle rolls with dipping sauce)   I’ve mentioned my love of Vietnamese pho before. It’s one of my favourite comfort dishes, no matter the time of year. I’ve tried making it at home on numerous occasions using various recipes but, for whatever reason,...
Chocolate Chip Cookies (eggless)
I'm Allergic / Recipes / Sweets

Chocolate Chip Cookies (eggless)

by Decisive Cravings
Chocolate Chip Cookies (eggless) Makes 15-16 small to medium sized cookies – recipe adapted from Spice Up the Curry.   Don’t let the ‘eggless’ part fool you. This is one of the best soft and chewy, chocolate chip cookie recipes I’ve ever made. I have been baking the odd choc-chip cookie for...
Recipe: Roast Pumpkin
Recipes

Recipe: Roast Pumpkin

by Decisive Cravings
  Since moving to Thailand I can’t help but notice pumpkins. They’re at every market, supermarket, road stall – you get the picture. It’s safe to say that for the next little while it will be become a staple in our diets here – and it has already! Apart from...
Saving Tips for Foodies
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff

Saving Tips for Foodies

by Decisive Cravings
Saving Tips for Foodies How to save when you’re a foodie. It almost sounds like an oxymoron really, but how do you do it?   There comes a time in your foodie life when you begin to wonder why you can’t save more and are living pay cheque to pay...
Recipe: Bircher Muesli
Brekkie / I'm Allergic / Recipes / Snacks

Recipe: Bircher Muesli

by Decisive Cravings
Bircher Muesli is a breakfast that has been disappearing off the menus of many cafes. Such a shame but the good new is that is so, so good and easy to make. The traditional recipe by the famed man himself, Maximilian Bircher-Benner, a Swiss physician, created the recipe as a...
Travel: Seoul Mini Guide
Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Travel: Seoul Mini Guide

by Decisive Cravings
In May of 2015 I travelled to Seoul, South Korea – a city that had been on my list for quite a number of years. When I arrived at Seoul Incheon airport I was armed with an extensively researched itinerary and high expectations. In short, Seoul did not disappoint. The bus ride...
Review: Melbourne's Best Hot Chocolate
Drinks / Foodie Stuff / Kids / Sweets

Review: Melbourne’s Best Hot Chocolate

by Decisive Cravings
Bibelot’s hot chocolate     Strange hours, spending the day at a crime scene or staking out someone’s house and coffee are the staples of police reporting. During my time as a police reporter at Melbourne’s Herald Sun newspaper I used to wake up to the 4.48am alarm on my mobile phone...
Travel: Wellness and Cooking in Rishikesh
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Travelling Foodie / Vegetarian

Travel: Wellness and Cooking in Rishikesh

by Decisive Cravings
  At the beginning of 2014, I started a path of healing my body using food.  I cut caffeine, refined sugar, soy, dairy, gluten and processed foods from my diet to nourish my body to wellness.  India had been calling me for some time so it seemed the natural next step in...
Foodie Stuff: In the Pantry #1
Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Recipes

Foodie Stuff: In the Pantry #1

by Decisive Cravings
  Welcome to In the Pantry, a NEW segment featuring products from inside the pantries of the DC team! A regular round up of products we absolutely love, we’ll tell you why we heart them, how to use them and where they can be bought. Do you have a favourite...
Suspended Coffee - a Tradition of Kindness
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Suspended Coffee – a Tradition of Kindness

by Decisive Cravings
There are so many acts of kindness I’ve observed over the years.  People handing me their unfinished paid parking tickets, discovering a ‘pass-it-on’ book left on a park bench and the cashier who gifted me an extra Citizen Cocoa truffle. One act that I have not been on the receiving...
Locavore Restaurant Ubud 2015
Consciousness / Travelling Foodie

Locavore Restaurant Ubud 2015

by Decisive Cravings
 >>READ OUR 2016 REVIEW OF LOCAVORE HERE.   Following a very strong recommendation from my sister whose opinion I value highly and that of her boyfriend who is an experienced Chef, I decided to treat myself on my latest trip to Bali by booking in a lunch degustation at Locavore in...
Travel: Portland Food Mini Guide
Travelling Foodie

Travel: Portland Food Mini Guide

by Decisive Cravings
Think great American foodie cities and New York, San Francisco and Chicago come to mind. Then there are places like Seattle, home to Pike Place Market, New Orleans with its Creole cuisine and Austin for finger-licking BBQ. Portland, Oregon, hasn’t always been an obvious addition to the list. But this...
Review: Bistro Thierry
Dinner / Lunch

Review: Bistro Thierry

by Decisive Cravings
Prix Fixe entrées: freshly shucked oysters and Steak Tartare   The best kind of friendships, are the ones that remain unchanged despite time apart. In my opinion the best restaurants are the same. Bistro Thierry forms part of an old group of restaurants for me that are at the core...
Recipe: Bachelorette Eggs
Recipes

Recipe: Bachelorette Eggs

by Decisive Cravings
Bachelorette Eggs Serves one   This recipe is definitely my go-to when my partner in crime is away. I have a host of recipes for one that makes cooking easy but these Bachelorette Eggs are by far my favourite. Comforting, filling, flavoursome, easy and hearty – this one ticks all...
Travel: New York Food Mini Guide
Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Travelling Foodie

Travel: New York Food Mini Guide

by Decisive Cravings
If there’s anywhere that has my heart it’s New York. Four holidays, the most recent in April 2015, and a stint living and working there and I’m already thinking about when I’m going back and where I’m eating next. I like to keep my days open, explore my favourite neighbourhoods...
Review: Green Press
Brekkie / Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Lunch / Sweets / Vegan / Vegetarian

Review: Green Press

by Decisive Cravings
Hot on the heels of our big sister cities around the world, Melbourne is getting serious about real, healthy, whole food. Yes it’s been possible to get a green smoothie or quinoa salad on café menus for some time, but what we’re talking about now is pressed juices, raw salads,...
Event: CJ Hendry Exhibition
Events / Foodie Stuff

Event: CJ Hendry Exhibition

by Decisive Cravings
Apart from seeing family on my most recent dash (three days) back to Melbourne over Easter, I had only two other ‘musts’: 1) visiting Pana Chocolate and 2) checking out CJ Hendry’s latest exhibition.     I am glad to report that I fulfilled both pre-requisites on the list and that...
Melbourne Chocoholics Tours
Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Sweets / Travelling Foodie

Melbourne Chocoholics Tours

by Decisive Cravings
Some of the delights on offer at Cacao Lab   Melbourne is internationally renowned for its food and its laneways – brought together in a delightfully sweet way by the team at Chocoholics Tours. Founded in 1995 when Suzie Wharton realised her vision of a chocolate and desserts walking tour...
Event: Ubud Food Festival 2015
Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Event: Ubud Food Festival 2015

by Decisive Cravings
Cooking demonstration, image by Matt Oldfield Three words: Ubud Food Festival. This is an event that warrants a mandatory visit by locals and justifiable attendance by non-locals. It is hard to believe that this year will be the first to see an event of this kind and scale in Bali....
Meatless Meals Recipes
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Vegetarian

Meatless Meals Recipes

by Decisive Cravings
Meatless Meals Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan or not – there are meatless meals here for everyone. Starters, salads, mains and sides have all been catered for. This little collection of recipes will help you see how easy it is to include more veggie based meals in your diet, as well...
Easter Eggs Recipe (Raw)
I'm Allergic / Recipes / Sweets

Easter Eggs Recipe (Raw)

by Decisive Cravings
  Originally, I thought it might be nice to have a healthy recipe for Easter Eggs, but then how are Easter Eggs what they are without the chocolate? Hence, the addition of some coconut cream chocolate ganache to make them a little more festive! The basic recipe for the eggs...
Heide MOMA Volunteers Recipe Swap
Consciousness / Foodie Stuff

Heide MOMA Volunteers Recipe Swap

by Decisive Cravings
Heide III Interior   The same lovely girl who almost two years ago, shared her Coconut and Raspberry Cake recipe with me also mentioned she was a volunteer at Heide MOMA. In fact, she revealed that her fellow volunteers had started a Recipe Swap, and at this my interest clearly peaked!...
Event: Dine from Melba's Garden Wrap Up
Brekkie / Dinner / Drinks / Foodie Stuff / Lunch / Travelling Foodie / Vegetarian

Event: Dine from Melba’s Garden Wrap Up

by Decisive Cravings
The restaurant facade   The Coombe Cottage During her lifetime, Dame Nellie Melba was renowned for putting on a good show, both on and off stage. She was the first Australian musician to achieve international recognition and is considered by some one of Australia’s most famous and talented opera singers...
Foodie Profile #17 - Janet DeNeefe
Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Foodie Profile #17 – Janet DeNeefe

by Decisive Cravings
  A visit to Bali over thirty years ago changed Janet DeNeefe’s life course forever. From her guesthouse to her cafes and restaurants, as well as the world famous Ubud Writers and Readers Festival she has made an invaluable contribution to the Island and is one of its greatest promoters globally....
Pinterest: Kitchens
Foodie Stuff

Pinterest: Kitchens

by Decisive Cravings
Image credit: ABeautifulMess.com   When I’m not on Instagram or Facebook, I’ll only be in one other ‘place’ and that’s Pinterest. An ode to one of the social mediums substituting real life, this is the first of a number of Pinterest round ups where I’ll share some of the pins...
Foodie Profile #16 - Georgie Castle of Citizen Cacao
Foodie Stuff / Gifts / I'm Allergic / Sweets

Foodie Profile #16 – Georgie Castle of Citizen Cacao

by Decisive Cravings
Citizen Cacao Raw Truffles (image: Rochelle Seator) There are some people you meet who just radiate kindness.  Georgie Castle is one of those people.  The first time we met, it was like we’d been friends for years and not only is she a lovely person…she also makes THE most amazing raw,...
Review: Ruyi
Dinner / I'm Allergic / Lunch / Vegetarian

Review: Ruyi

by Decisive Cravings
I’ve never been a fan of Chinese food (actually technically that’s not true, one of my old friends is half-Chinese and his Mum always makes amazing dishes), my only Chinese restaurant experiences had been bowls of gluggy, MSG-filled, deep fried food. Before Ruyi.  This place has completely changed my perspective....
Review: Pomodoro Sardo
Dinner / Lunch / Vegetarian

Review: Pomodoro Sardo

by Decisive Cravings
Calamari fritti, mixed bread and prosciutto with buffalo mozzarella Pomodoro Sardo, formerly Pomodoro Rosso in the CBD is another restaurant that is close to my heart. It is one of only a handful of Sardinian restaurants in Melbourne, and being half Sardinian I always feel a little closer to my...
Recipe: Coconut and Raspberry Mini Cakes
Recipes

Recipe: Coconut and Raspberry Mini Cakes

by Decisive Cravings
Our most popular recipe on the site is our Coconut and Raspberry Cake (gluten and dairy free). Given we are approaching the site’s two year anniversary I wanted to do something with this recipe so it could be diversified from just a cake. I decided to trial using the mixture...
Recipe: Pimped Out Garden Salad
Recipes / Vegetarian

Recipe: Pimped Out Garden Salad

by Decisive Cravings
I love this salad, so, so much! It wasn’t really intentional when I first made it, I kind of just threw a few things together and ended up with something that has now become a go-to. I’ve called it Pimped Out Salad because at its core it is a garden salad...
Review: The Emerson
Dinner / Drinks / Late night / Lunch / Snacks

Review: The Emerson

by Decisive Cravings
  The summer holidays are over, at least for most of us anyway. Reluctantly, we have swapped our bathers and cocktails for suits and ties. However, while the 9-to-5 routine may have reinstated itself, the warm weather is still here and Melbournians are still in party mode; drinks after work...
Party Recipes: Starters Salads and Desserts
Foodie Stuff / Recipes

Party Recipes: Starters Salads and Desserts

by Decisive Cravings
Parties and celebrations are a year round affair! Whether you are hosting or just contributing a little something I’ve put together a list of some of my favourite party recipes. From simple starters to fresh salads and yummy desserts, make entertaining or bringing a plate to a party easy, delicious...
Travel: Jakarta Restaurants Mini Guide
Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Travel: Jakarta Restaurants Mini Guide

by Decisive Cravings
FJ Bistro Since my move to Jakarta in May 2014, I have had enough time sampling the local offerings to get a relatively good feel for the food scene here. In a nutshell, there is a lot of choice, a high turn over of restaurants but overall some fantastic dare...
Recipe: Chokladboll (Chocolate Balls)
Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Snacks / Sweets

Recipe: Chokladboll (Chocolate Balls)

by Decisive Cravings
Chokladboll – Chocolate balls The third and final recipe in our Swedish Fika recipe series by Simone Larsson are Chokladboll. They are a very decadent mocha treat for the Fika table. Being bite sized, they are also a great option for Christmas gifting – simply pop them in a jar,...
Catering and Event Planning Melbourne
Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Travelling Foodie / Vegetarian

Catering and Event Planning Melbourne

by Decisive Cravings
  To complement our Private and Group dining, and our Function and Event Spaces Melbourne guides, I’ve put together a list of some of Melbourne’s leading caterers and event planners (in my opinion). Most if not all cater for dietary requirements but I’ve also included some that cater for dietary...
Recipe: Favoritgifflar (Swedish Buns)
Recipes / Sweets

Recipe: Favoritgifflar (Swedish Buns)

by Decisive Cravings
Favoritgifflar – Swedish Buns The second recipe in our Swedish Fika recipe series by Simone Larsson are Favoritgifflar. They literally translate as Favourite Buns, and are a common feature at the Fika table. They are so moorish and the best part about them is you can tailor the filling to...
Review: Pho24
Dinner / Lunch / Vegetarian

Review: Pho24

by Decisive Cravings
         I’m the first to admit that I’m not a fan of franchises. I’m not sure when or why I developed this aversion but in my opinion franchises are the restaurant equivalent of soup in can (which has never seen the inside of my pantry!). So, if I’m brutally honest,...
Review: Pastuso - Perfect Peruvian
Dinner / Drinks / I'm Allergic

Review: Pastuso – Perfect Peruvian

by Decisive Cravings
Trying to find a table in Melbourne for six people is no easy feat.  All the latest restaurants only take bookings for 8 people or more, but if you can manage to secure a table for a smaller group you usually have to choose from two “sitting options”, one that’s...
Review: Sake Restaurant
Dinner / I'm Allergic / Lunch

Review: Sake Restaurant

by Decisive Cravings
Japanese is easily top of my list when it comes to cuisines.  It’s the food I crave on many occasions – the freshness of sashimi, the variety of a bento box or the comfort of donburi.  But I also love the welcome that comes with entering Japanese restaurants.  The call...
Function and Event Spaces Melbourne
Dinner / Drinks / Foodie Stuff / Lunch

Function and Event Spaces Melbourne

by Decisive Cravings
Trunk Planning a special event really starts with finding the right venue.  Like our Private and Group Dining Melbourne mini-guide, the Function and Event Spaces Melbourne mini-guide should helpfully give you a starting point when looking for a great spot for a birthday, work party, special event and even weddings....
Fika: the Art of a Swedish Kitchen Tradition
Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Sweets

Fika: the Art of a Swedish Kitchen Tradition

by Decisive Cravings
Fika, is the Swedish word for ‘coffee break’ or ‘refreshments’ but that still doesn’t quite sum it up.  Swedish fika is so much more than just a cup of coffee, it’s a social phenomenon, a concept, a way of life you could say. Fika to Swedes is like the Hakuna...
Foodie Profile #15 - Tennille Hay of Tee's Superfood
Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Snacks

Foodie Profile #15 – Tennille Hay of Tee’s Superfood

by Decisive Cravings
Tee working the muesli mixture in the factory   Tennille Hay, or ‘Tee’ as she is known amongst friends is the creator and owner behind Tee’s Superfood, a unique range of superfood bars. As an Exercise Physiologist and Strength and Conditioning coach Tee’s knowledge of nutrition and the way the...
Private and Group Dining in Melbourne
Brekkie / Dinner / Drinks / Lunch

Private and Group Dining in Melbourne

by Decisive Cravings
I’ve had many requests over the years for recommendations on private dining rooms, as well as restaurants that allow bookings for larger groups, so I thought it was about time to put together a list of where I often recommend to people; hence I present to you a mini version...
Foodie Profile #14 - Mad About Cakes
Foodie Stuff / Gifts / I'm Allergic / Sweets

Foodie Profile #14 – Mad About Cakes

by Decisive Cravings
Madie Gostin of Mad About Cakes – Image Credit, Profile Pub 1. Madie, how did your business start? I have always loved to bake but pretty much fell into Cake Decorating. I remember seeing Paris Cutler’s ‘Planet Cake’ Cake Decorating book at a store and my boyfriend bought it for...
Food Gifts for Aussie Expats
Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Travelling Foodie

Food Gifts for Aussie Expats

by Decisive Cravings
  In 2014 I became an expat. A visit from friends who came bearing the following bounty, made me even more aware of my nationality: Tim Tam Dark Chocolate Chocolicious Bites, Caramello Koalas and BBQ shapes. Their thoughtful gift got me thinking about all the other Australian expats scattered around...
Foodie Profile #13 - Ronni Kahn, CEO & Founder of OzHarvest
Foodie Stuff

Foodie Profile #13 – Ronni Kahn, CEO & Founder of OzHarvest

by Decisive Cravings
Ten years ago, OzHarvest became the first organisation in Australia to rescue all types of perishable food that would otherwise have been wasted. They have over 600 volunteers nationally, and have delivered 28 million meals to-date to Australians in need.  We caught up with Ronni Kahn, the CEO & Founder of OzHarvest...
Insta Inspo: Lifestyle
Foodie Stuff

Insta Inspo: Lifestyle

by Decisive Cravings
Just like our Link Love series, Insta Inspo is the same concept but on Instagram; a round up of people we are following whose photos we look forward to seeing in our feed. Our latest instalment is all about lifestyle and accounts all over the world that beautifully document their...
Le Jolie Cafe
Brekkie / I'm Allergic / Kids / Lunch / Snacks / Sweets / Vegetarian

Le Jolie Cafe

by Decisive Cravings
  We here at Decisive Cravings have been long time lovers and supporters of Waffle Jolie, so you can only imagine our delight when we found out they were opening their own bricks and mortar venture, Le Jolie Cafe. Now we can buy those coveted Sunday market treats nearly every day...
Recipe: Coconut Porridge with banana and dates
Brekkie / Recipes

Recipe: Coconut Porridge with banana and dates

by Decisive Cravings
This has got to be one of my favourite sweet breakfast recipes. Being in Indonesia I have slightly altered the ingredients I use when cooking sweets – namely more coconut cream and dates which are just an amazing combination. This creamy concoction is a great way to break up simple...
Sweet like Chocolate - the best chocolate
Foodie Stuff / Sweets

Sweet like Chocolate – the best chocolate

by Decisive Cravings
Image credit Ferrero U.K.   Saturday September 13th is International Chocolate Day. I am partaking in the celebrations by not only eating chocolate (this is a daily occurrence for me) but also sharing what in my opinion are some of the best chocolates going round (and fairly accessible to buy)....
Gift Guide: Father's Day 2014
Foodie Stuff / Gifts

Gift Guide: Father’s Day 2014

by Decisive Cravings
Father’s Day is looming (Sunday September 7). If you haven’t even had a moment to think about it yet or just have no idea what to get the man that seems to always have everything, here are some of my top gift suggestions. 1.Billy Law’s newest cookbook ‘Man Food: Good...
Gift: Boomf Marshmallows
Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Kids

Gift: Boomf Marshmallows

by Decisive Cravings
(Image by @abbietastic via Instagram)   You know how there are some people that are really hard to give gifts to because they ‘have everything’? I’m pretty sure I’ve found something they won’t have…Boomf. This is not a figure of speech but the name of a company that prints photos...
Insta Inspo: Wanderlust
Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Insta Inspo: Wanderlust

by Decisive Cravings
Just like our Link Love series, Insta Inspo is the same concept but on Instagram; a round up of people we are following whose photos we look forward to seeing in our feed. This instalment is all about Insta accounts that inspire Wanderlust, or the desire to travel. Is there...
Travel: 5 Ways to Eat Like a Local
Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Travel: 5 Ways to Eat Like a Local

by Decisive Cravings
When you travel or move to a new country, it’s the simple things that make your stay: understanding whether you’re miles from town centre, transport options, the best not-so-‘sightseey’ things to do, and the top of my list – the best places to eat. Whether I’m going overseas, or interstate...
Recipe: Raw Vegan Chocolate Mousse
Recipes

Recipe: Raw Vegan Chocolate Mousse

by Decisive Cravings
Raw Vegan Chocolate Mousse Makes 3-4 servings     1 large avocado 1-3 bananas 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa 1 teaspoon of cinnamon 2-3 finely chopped dates A dash of coconut oil (optional) Rice milk (optional)       Blend all the ingredients together, and taste once thick and creamy.  ...
Recipe: Almond Milk
Foodie Stuff / Recipes

Recipe: Almond Milk

by Decisive Cravings
Almond Milk Makes 1.5 litres   1 cup of almonds 2-4 cups of filtered water Sea salt Cheese Cloth or fine strainer Jug/Bottle       Soak the almonds overnight in filtered water with a pinch of salt. Ensure the water covers the almonds to allow for swelling.   Strain...
Home Chefs #7 - Potato Gnocchi with Tomato Sugo
Foodie Stuff / Recipes

Home Chefs #7 – Potato Gnocchi with Tomato Sugo

by Decisive Cravings
Since moving to Jakarta, the first food event I attended was an Italian Cooking class live via Skype with an Italian Nonna in Ancona, go figure! Dina Scataglini is the Nonna of a friend in my Indonesian Language class, Cecilia. Together with her husband Alessandro and the Italian Institute of...
Raw Cocoa, Date and Coconut Balls
Recipes

Raw Cocoa, Date and Coconut Balls

by Decisive Cravings
Makes 25   2 cups of pitted Medjool dates (soak overnight in cold water) 2 cups of almond meal 1/2 cup of cocoa 4 tablespoons of cold pressed coconut oil A pinch of salt 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon A sprinkle of sesame seeds A sprinkle of desiccated coconut   Optional:...
Foodie Profile #9 - Melanie Stapleton of Cecilia Fox
Foodie Stuff / Gifts

Foodie Profile #9 – Melanie Stapleton of Cecilia Fox

by Decisive Cravings
(Image by Eve Wilson) Melanie Stapleton is a florist, and the owner of Cecilia Fox in East Brunswick. Her team’s creations are truly stunning and they have floralised (new word I know) many incredible weddings and events (and my 30th – lol). We chatted to Melanie about how she started,...
Growing Honest Food by Gabriella Gomersall-Hubbard
Foodie Stuff / Gifts

Growing Honest Food by Gabriella Gomersall-Hubbard

by Decisive Cravings
Down a suburban street, under a canopy of Zibbibo and white grapes, on a plot of land in Keilor lies Rose Creek Estate – Melbourne’s local home of award winning wine and olive oil. In Growing Honest Food, Gabriella Gomersal-Hubbard captures the story of it’s beginnings and how from scratch...
Insta Inspo - Foodies
Foodie Stuff

Insta Inspo – Foodies

by Decisive Cravings
Instagram has become one of my most obsessive addictions as of late. It’s basically the first and last thing I do each day and there is nothing I love more than finding amazing accounts around the world. There are some incredibly talented people expressing their creativity in the most engaging...
The Last Jar
Brekkie / Dinner / Drinks / Late night / Lunch

The Last Jar

by Decisive Cravings
(The bar at The Last Jar – image credit, Eugene Hyland) (Starter – Smoked Mackerel Pate with house baked Soda Bread) ‘Twas a wint’ry Melbourne eve… perfect conditions to have accepted an invitation to visit The Last Jar in North Melbourne. Formerly the live music venue The Arthouse, new owners Siobhan...
Horn Please
Dinner / Vegetarian

Horn Please

by Decisive Cravings
(The bright, vintage inspired Horn Please menu card) Husband and wife couple, Jessi and Jennifer Singh, left San Francisco for Victoria in search of a better work-life balance. San Fran’s loss is most definitely our gain and needless to say, we are simply thrilled about that. Initially settling and working...
duNORD
Dinner / Drinks / Late night / Snacks

duNORD

by Decisive Cravings
(Image credit – Tess Williams)   The words ‘Scandinavia’ and ‘Nordic’ immediately bring to mind a number of things: Ikea; royal families (including our very own Princess Mary); bicycle-friendly cities; and advanced education systems to name just a few. However, I’ll be honest, food traditionally hasn’t made this list. duNORD...
Hammer and Tong
Brekkie / Dinner / Lunch / Snacks / Sweets / Vegetarian

Hammer and Tong

by Decisive Cravings
To be honest, I would suggest that before reading any further you just glance at Hammer and Tong’s menu here. Now come back and email me here if the menu alone did not excite you or inspire you to visit. To date, Hammer and Tong remains one of the most impressive...
Travel: A Foodie Weekend in Bali
Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Travel: A Foodie Weekend in Bali

by Decisive Cravings
Last weekend I was very lucky to escape from the Jakarta buzz to Bali. The island can sometimes get a bad name due to certain southern-cross-tattoo-sporting visitors or being too ‘commercial’ or crowded. But do you know what? I still love it, it is an amazing place and you can...
Link Love - the Food Segment
Foodie Stuff / Recipes

Link Love – the Food Segment

by Decisive Cravings
Introducing ‘Link Love’ – a new DC segment that celebrates cool links and sites. Our first instalment is about our main passion here at DC: food. However upcoming ‘Link Love’ segments won’t be solely food related, we will be covering a whole manner of interesting, imaginative and inspiring  reads, articles and...
Home Chefs #6 - Tiramisu
Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Sweets

Home Chefs #6 – Tiramisu

by Decisive Cravings
Tiramisu is a very special dish in my family which Mum only whips up for special celebrations. After a fair bit of begging Mum finally agreed to share her recipe. Being a true ‘Home Chef’ this Tiramisu is just one of many signature meals she makes expertly, so stay tuned...
Event: Hophaus Opening
Dinner / Drinks / Foodie Stuff / Late night / Lunch

Event: Hophaus Opening

by Decisive Cravings
(Hophaus entrance in the mid level of Southgate)   On arrival at this event we weren’t surprised to see Hophaus staff with trays of drinks waiting to greet us at the door but what was a bit unexpected was the choice of welcome drink – Jagermeister shots or Apple Schnapps!...
Home Chefs #5 - Curried Carrot and Lentil Soup
Recipes

Home Chefs #5 – Curried Carrot and Lentil Soup

by Decisive Cravings
  Curried Carrot and Lentil Soup  Serves 4   This recipe has been kindly donated by Home Chef and Decisive Cravings contributor Alisia Romanin.     1 onion, chopped 1 leek (white part only), chopped 1 tspn cumin 2 tspns curry powder 5 carrots, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1...
Ribs and Burgers
Dinner / Kids / Late night / Lunch

Ribs and Burgers

by Decisive Cravings
  Wow. Rib and Burger lovers I am going to say that this place is up there. A friend of mine kept raving about their Northcote restaurant, and apart from that the name (Ribs and Burgers) sounded like it had some meat to it (pardon the pun).     Not...
Guest Recipe: Raw Chocolate, Tahini and Coconut Slice
I'm Allergic / Recipes / Sweets / Vegetarian

Guest Recipe: Raw Chocolate, Tahini and Coconut Slice

by Decisive Cravings
Raw Chocolate, Tahini and Coconut Slice – guest recipe by Coconut Health and Healing Serves 4     2 cups of shredded coconut 2 tablespoons of coconut oil 1 teaspoon of coconut sugar ½ cup of unhulled tahini or any nut butter of your choice 2 tbsp of raw cacao...
Combi Coffee
Brekkie / Drinks / Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Lunch / Snacks / Sweets

Combi Coffee

by Decisive Cravings
(The Combi Coffee Laneway)   The grand people from Combi Coffee have relocated…just down the road (in case you hadn’t seen the herds of people oozing out of the place). I was a big fan of their coffee and there was definitely a period there where I would make any...
kikki.K - Foodie Gift Range
Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Kids

kikki.K – Foodie Gift Range

by Decisive Cravings
(The kikki.K DIY Sticker Book)     We all know kikki.K for their gorgeous stationery – everything they produce is stylish and fun, and more importantly they consistently deliver quality products, which is why I am more than happy to pay that bit extra. What I also love is their movement...
Foodie Profile #7 - the Thankyou Group
Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Vegetarian

Foodie Profile #7 – the Thankyou Group

by Decisive Cravings
(The Thankyou Group co-founders (L-R): Jarryd Burns, Daniel Flynn and Justine Flynn)   Going back several years now, I had the pleasure of meeting Jarryd Burns (pictured) – one of the co-founders of the Thankyou Group whilst holidaying in the States. I had heard of Thankyou Water at the time but meeting him...
Mr Earl Tea
Drinks / Foodie Stuff / Gifts

Mr Earl Tea

by Decisive Cravings
(Image credit: Mr Earl Tea)     Earlier this year we received a lovely package from Mr Earl Tea – a Melbourne based bespoke tea subscription service . What we love about the Mr Earl concept is that you can continually discover new teas while waiting to find your favourite.  ...
Burch and Purchese
Foodie Stuff / Gifts / I'm Allergic / Kids / Sweets

Burch and Purchese

by Decisive Cravings
(Image Credit: Burch and Purchese) Burch and Purchese is a sweet shop reminiscent of the Willy Wonka Factory but smaller and no Oompa Loompa’s. Picture sweet treats of intensive imaginary proportions, like choc pops filled with caramel, Popcorn Honeycomb Rubble, jars of salted caramel, afternoon tea treats and cakes like...
Raw and Vegan Guide - Part 2
Foodie Stuff / Gifts / I'm Allergic / Recipes / Vegetarian

Raw and Vegan Guide – Part 2

by Decisive Cravings
  In our part 1 of our Raw and Vegan guide we explored Melbourne cafe’s and restaurants, uncovered raw goods stores and more. In our final part 2 – we help guide you through vegan and raw cooking classes, cookbooks and even raw beauty. Please also note that this is generally a...
Raw and Vegan Guide - Part 1
Foodie Stuff / Gifts / I'm Allergic / Recipes / Vegetarian

Raw and Vegan Guide – Part 1

by Decisive Cravings
(Dinner at Yong Green Food) The vegan and raw food scene seems to be growing rapidly of late, and it’s not just fuelled by vegans and Miranda Kerr but those with severe allergies, as well as people seeking to treat their bodies a little better. From café’s, restaurants to raw...
Gluten Free Pancakes with Ferrero Rocher
Recipes

Gluten Free Pancakes with Ferrero Rocher

by Decisive Cravings
Ferrero Rocher Pancakes  Makes 10 medium sized pancakes.     1 cup gluten free flour ¼ teaspoon salt 1 egg, beaten 1 ½ cups of milk 2 tablespoons of butter 10 Ferrero Rocher balls (you can also use Raffaello Rocher, Snickers, Mars Bars, Bounty Bars or your favourite chocolate)  ...
Foodie Profile #6 - Lucy Folk
Foodie Stuff

Foodie Profile #6 – Lucy Folk

by Decisive Cravings
(Image supplied by Lucy Folk) 1.  Your jewellery is undoubtedly inspired by food. Can you tell us more about this passion, and how it has influenced your work? I was brought up in a household where food and creativity were equally celebrated hence I guess I’ve always strove to fuse these two loves and...
Couscous Summer Salad
Recipes

Couscous Summer Salad

by Decisive Cravings
(Image credit to Safari Living) Couscous Summer Salad Serves 4   This is a recipe, which has seen an evolution from its original source. It was passed on to my sister by an old colleague, which she then recreated into her own version, and readapted again by me. Despite the...
Strawberry Mint Salad
Recipes

Strawberry Mint Salad

by Decisive Cravings
(Image credit to Safari Living) Strawberry Mint Salad Serves 2   My Father has been making this recipe since I was a little girl. It was a seasonal treat that he saved for summer along with his famous lemon granita. Over the years I have experimented with his strawberry salad recipe...
Prosciutto wrapped Cantaloupe
Recipes

Prosciutto wrapped Cantaloupe

by Decisive Cravings
(Image credit to Safari Living) Prosciutto wrapped Cantaloupe Serves 2 – 3   Cantaloupe wrapped in prosciutto is almost always a permanent fixture at our summer family feasts. It perfectly connects the freshness and sweetness of fruit and balances it with the saltiness of this heavenly cured meat.   ½...
Jinda Thai
Dinner / Lunch / Sweets / Vegetarian

Jinda Thai

by Decisive Cravings
(Top right: Spring Rolls,  Bottom right: Beef boat Noodle soup)   Jinda was recommended to me late last October at a Food Blogger event. We were talking about new restaurants we were loving, then Jinda Thai was mentioned and it was the subject of conversation for the next 5 minutes....
Mango, Avocado and Rucola Salad
Recipes

Mango, Avocado and Rucola Salad

by Decisive Cravings
Mango, Avocado and Rucola Salad Serves 4 – 5 This is a beautifully fresh and flavoursome salad that is perfect for hot summer nights. Minimal ingredients here but their quality and taste make a big impact. Enjoy!   2 Thai Mangos 1 Avocado 1 Orange 1 Lime 5 well sized...
Foodie Profile #5 - Sarah Cowell
Foodie Stuff

Foodie Profile #5 – Sarah Cowell

by Decisive Cravings
(Image by Hannah Kelly of Hannah Kelly Creative)   1. Sarah, for those that don’t know you, could you describe what you do for a living? I’m a tea specialist and tea teacher so my work involves consulting on tea, plus creating tea-learning experiences. So, I might advise a café on their...
Home Chefs #3 - Salted Cocoa Banana Shake with Wattleseed
Recipes

Home Chefs #3 – Salted Cocoa Banana Shake with Wattleseed

by Decisive Cravings
Home Chefs #3 – Salted Cocoa Banana Shake with Wattleseed Makes 2 glasses   This incredible recipe (quick and so flavoursome), has been contributed by a personal friend Trish Hevern. She is a vegetarian, with a real flair for always creating healthy, hearty food packed with flavour and the ingredients...
Mint and Coconut Iced Tea
Recipes

Mint and Coconut Iced Tea

by Decisive Cravings
Mint and Coconut Iced Tea Makes 1 x 750ml bottle   Another super easy recipe you can make at home. Make a big batch, keep it at the ready in the fridge and we are sure this cooling brew will be one of your favourites this summer.   750 mls...
Ginger, Rosemary and Mint Iced Tea
Recipes

Ginger, Rosemary and Mint Iced Tea

by Decisive Cravings
Ginger, Rosemary and Mint Iced Tea Makes 1 x 750ml bottle   This is a super easy recipe you can make at home, using ingredients that are readily available. Do a few bottles at once, keep them in the fridge and have your Iced Tea ready to go when friends...
Hudson Meats - Sausage Making Masterclass
Foodie Stuff / Gifts

Hudson Meats – Sausage Making Masterclass

by Decisive Cravings
(Micah Hewitt: butcher and our teacher for the night – showing us how it’s done) During Good Food Month we were very lucky to be invited to attend a Sausage Making Masterclass with specialty butchers, Hudson Meats. The Boutique butcher  and Deli originally hailing from Sydney had just opened its doors in...
Bali Food - a Mini Guide
Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Bali Food – a Mini Guide

by Decisive Cravings
  Our latest trip to Bali in November 2016, re-confirmed that our favourite spots last time are still our favourites. Of course we tried a few new places, and left with even more on our list for next time. Our recommendations in this Bali guide cover Seminyak (plus some of it’s...
Gelato Messina
Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Kids / Late night / Snacks / Sweets / Travelling Foodie

Gelato Messina

by Decisive Cravings
(Gelato Messina’s new Fitzroy store in Melbourne) Established in Sydney in 2002, Gelato Messina is an institution Australia wide. 11 years later they decided to call Melbourne their second home – all we ask is what took them so long? Is it worth a trip to Messina? For sweet tooths...
Arabella Forge from Frugavore - Foodie Profile #4
Foodie Stuff / Recipes

Arabella Forge from Frugavore – Foodie Profile #4

by Decisive Cravings
 (The lovely Arabella Forge) In our latest Foodie Profile we chat with Nutritionist, Cook and Food Writer Arabella Forge. Arabella is a down to earth soul with a conscientious approach and passion for cooking real food. She has shared this philosophy with the world in her fabulous cook book, Frugavore...
Taste of Melbourne 2013 - Preview Event
Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Taste of Melbourne 2013 – Preview Event

by Decisive Cravings
Apart from the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, the only other food festival that we genuinely look forward to is Taste of Melbourne. Over four days a little food and wine island sets up Alfresco style on Pelican Lawn at Albert Park lake lined with food stalls showcasing signature dishes from...
Sauced Pasta Bar
Dinner / Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Late night / Lunch / Snacks / Sweets / Vegetarian

Sauced Pasta Bar

by Decisive Cravings
The Chapel Street landscape has changed dramatically in the last five or so years, with furniture shops reopening as cafés, op shops relaunching as Mexican restaurants, and the most recent addition a hair salon turning into a pasta bar. We can all agree that in Melbourne food reigns, much more...
5 Fabulous Foodie Apps
Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Recipes / Travelling Foodie / Vegetarian

5 Fabulous Foodie Apps

by Decisive Cravings
We’re the first to admit it, we spend much more time on our iPhones than we would like and don’t even get us started on the latest Apple iOS7 update. Thing is first it was Facebook and Twitter that took up all of our time reading people’s newsfeed’s and then...
Foodie Profile #3 - Jimmy's Burgers
Foodie Stuff

Foodie Profile #3 – Jimmy’s Burgers

by Decisive Cravings
We chat to Melbourne’s real burger King, James Hurlston (a.k.a Jimmy’s Burgers) about his adventures, top 5 burgers and whether he really eats one burger (or more) a day! He also makes his own burgers and has kindly shared some images of his creations with us, below.   1. How...
Review: Seoul Soul
Dinner / Lunch / Vegetarian

Review: Seoul Soul

by Decisive Cravings
  If you like food and a restaurant with soul then Seoul Soul on Victoria St will hit the spot. The fit out is sleek and minimalist, making for an intimate, understated but fun environment. Picture high tables decked with grills, making for easy eavesdropping and people watching. Choose from...
Cookie
Dinner / Drinks / I'm Allergic / Late night / Lunch / Snacks / Sweets / Vegetarian

Cookie

by Decisive Cravings
(Stir fried pork belly with red curry, green peppercorns, kaffir lime and green beans) We all know it and we all love it, but sometimes we forget about it: Cookie, is a real treat in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Situated in Curtin House, it is also the same building that...
Home Chefs #1 - Chorizo Meatballs
Recipes

Home Chefs #1 – Chorizo Meatballs

by Decisive Cravings
    Home Chefs – Chorizo Meatballs Serves 6.   A few years ago an ex-colleague of mine gifted her Grandmother’s Chorizo meatball recipe to me along with a recipe box filled with recipes from the kitchens of all my colleagues. It is still one of the most thoughtful gifts I have...
Black Sesame Kitchen, Beijing
Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Black Sesame Kitchen, Beijing

by Decisive Cravings
Black Sesame Kitchen is quite a unique experience for all travellers visiting Beijing. From cooking classes to private dining and their ‘Wine and Dine’ evenings you can experience award winning Chinese cuisine up close or at a distance, it’s kind of like a choose your own food adventure. Choose to...
Dandenong Market
Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Kids / Lunch / Snacks / Sweets / Vegetarian

Dandenong Market

by Decisive Cravings
When it comes to food markets in Melbourne, we’ll admit it we’ve been to the ones that are closest to the CBD purely out of convenience. Victoria Market (the great), South Melbourne Market, Prahran Market and even the Footscray Market (when we used to buy grapes to make wine.) However...
The Smith
Dinner / Drinks / Late night / Lunch / Snacks / Sweets / Vegetarian

The Smith

by Decisive Cravings
(Image courtesy of The Smith) Since it first opened we knew that The Smith was something special. At first glance it may have appeared (aesthetically) to be like many of the new fad restaurants and bars with amazing (but similar) architecture, and there may have even been a whiff of...
Vegan Cream of Spinach Soup
Recipes

Vegan Cream of Spinach Soup

by Decisive Cravings
Vegan Cream of Spinach Soup (image courtesy of Healthy Blender Recipes.) By Tess Masters from Healthy Blender Recipes Serves 4.     2 cups raw organic fresh spinach 1 cup organic zucchini (about 1 zucchini) 1 cup chopped red onions (about 1 medium onion) 1/4 cup scallions/green onions – (about 6)...
Loam Restaurant
Foodie Stuff

Loam Restaurant

by Decisive Cravings
On Sunday June 30, 2013 Loam Restaurant in Drysdale will close its doors forever. Loam is one of only six Victorian regional restaurants to receive two hats. Several weeks ago, we were lucky enough to dine there before the end of its era. Join us for a visual feast of our...
Foodie Profile #1 - Photographer John Street
Foodie Stuff

Foodie Profile #1 – Photographer John Street

by Decisive Cravings
John Street is a man with history and talent…and plenty of it. His schtick? Food photography, in fact some would say he pioneered it, bringing European standards with him from London when he moved to Australia in the seventies. We met by chance at a market, which lead to another...
Coconut and Raspberry Cake (Gluten and Dairy Free)
Recipes

Coconut and Raspberry Cake (Gluten and Dairy Free)

by Decisive Cravings
Serves 8, best consumed within three days. A few weeks ago we were having afternoon tea with a food photographer, his wife had made us a beautiful cake to enjoy with our tea (pictured). He told us it was gluten free – hard to believe given how moist and delicious...
Where Chefs Eat
Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Where Chefs Eat

by Decisive Cravings
These days we are eager to try new restaurants based on credibility. Some of us read customer reviews ferociously, others rely on the words of food critics, and some prefer word of mouth; but there is one more category and it’s one we hold in high esteem, that of the...
Andrew's Hamburgers
Dinner / I'm Allergic / Kids / Lunch / Snacks / Vegetarian

Andrew’s Hamburgers

by Decisive Cravings
Andrew’s Hamburgers is a Melbourne burger institution. Over the years we have seen the essence of the burger recrafted with fancy names and flavours, hipster uniforms and logos, but nothing ever compares to the original and Andrew’s Hamburger’s have been producing old school, traditional burgers for years, since 1939 to...
Tsukiji
Foodie Stuff / Lunch / Snacks / Sweets / Vegetarian

Tsukiji

by Decisive Cravings
We don’t have a Tsukiji fish market in Melbourne, but we do have a very mini alternative with the same name. If you are a sushi or sashimi lover then Tsukiji in Prahran is a must visit. It’s more like a Japanese mini mart or deli, and when you walk...
Recipe: Real Hot Chocolate
Recipes

Recipe: Real Hot Chocolate

by Decisive Cravings
Real Hot Chocolate Serves 1. This Real Hot Chocolate recipe is a simple and old-school approach to a calming, classic drink. Designed to comfort and warm in the colder months, this will be a lovely treat to look forward to before bed or cosy’ing up with a lovely book and...
Anzac Cookies Recipe
Recipes

Anzac Cookies Recipe

by Decisive Cravings
Anzac Cookies Recipe (Adapted from Cookery the Australian Way by Cameron, Shirley M. 5th ed.) Makes 16   These cookies are an Australian classic. This recipe yields a softer, slightly chewy cookie. The cookie flavour has a good level of sweetness and with the added pinch of salt has a subtle, balanced...
Review: Rowena Parade Corner Store
Brekkie / Drinks / Foodie Stuff / Kids / Lunch / Snacks / Sweets / Vegetarian

Review: Rowena Parade Corner Store

by Decisive Cravings
Rowena Parade Corner store is one of Richmond’s little gems. Part milk bar, part deli and cafe, Rowena is a cosy, convenient spot with loads of comfort food and classic treats too. Many of our friends and family come here for the famous BELTAC – their signature sanga filled with...
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